It's a thing! Who knew?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good morning Trekkers! A few things some are going to notice and probably comment about. First… It WAS WINDY the 4 weeks we were in the Keys and this week’s episode that was recorded during the week of 2/19/24 was no different. Super windy. And wind and camera mics just don’t mix. So there are a few times we chose to show a shot that had not so perfect audio… but not showing Joe get into his new home… well, we couldn’t do that. BTW, we’ve since ordered and tested and hope to use an external mic (DJI Mic 2). But to be honest we’re not the best at always knowing when to take the good stuff and when just whipping out the iPhone to grab real world stuff is all we have. So, there will still be times when it’s windy and you’ll hear that. Old dogs and new tricks kind of thing. 😂 Second, you’ll notice that we found zero hermit crabs at Bahia Honda SP that were living in bottle caps or trash. That’s a good thing. But what we did find were many, maybe 50-60 in one outing living in cracked shells with holes and serious cracks. This whole issue of homeless crabs is new to us but it’s interesting to learn that we, tourists and campers, are really the reason for it. More folks than ever are outside after 2020 and more folks than ever are picking up beautiful shells… which means Joe the crab outgrows his shell, finds another one and moves in. But before Sally the crab can upgrade her digs someone like you or me or one of the millions just like us comes along, sees a beautiful shell and picks it up to take home… then puts it in a box or in a jar or just throws it away. Meanwhile, Sally the crab just keeps living in her now too small shell until she can search and search to find a better one. On to our pup falling in love with a manatee. Well, actually she fell in love with all of them and this place and all the manatees she could just stand over and look at… well, it was her favorite part of our winter trip. We hope you enjoyed the video. It was the best trip to the Keys we’ve ever made and we’ve done a ton of them… heck, watching this we could both be convinced to hop in the van and go back this week. It’s a magical place. Thanks for being part of our journey guys. It means a lot to us. -Owen, Lynn and Maggie

[@chasinsunsets2725]

Judy and I loved tonight's video. We really enjoyed learning about the hermit crabs. Thanks so much for the shout out to the volunteers. Judy and I have been volunteers for the last three years and are just finishing four wonderful months in Florida again. We get so many heart felt Thank You's from guests that it out weighs by far the few negative nellies. Thanks again guys for making our Sunday evening great. Hope to run into you soon. Happy Tails.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We really do appreciate all you do as volunteers. Thank you!

[@sherriweber7105]

Thank you Owen and Lynn for mentioning of the volunteers at the Florida parks. That is a hard job keeping the parks to stay clean. I never know about the hermit crabs and their homes that the shells we pick up are their homes. Knowing that it tells me not to pick one up. I never have actually have. But it makes me really nit want to do it now. It’s sad. It’s cute seeing Maggie with the manatees. They become her friends. lol! Great video! Can’t wait until next video. Have a great week. And stay safe and safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I felt the same way about picking up shells. It does make you think twice about it. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@seirycolley6780]

No, you are not nuts. Thank you for doing that guys!

[@timmartin4952]

Lynn that was a lot of glass. Thank you for protecting others, like me! Beautiful views you all! Well said Owen, we do need to appreciate volunteers.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Awe Maggie definitely liked the Florida mermaids. So true about the park volunteers. Super people, appreciated. Yes, it is true concerning the hermit crabs, and shells. There are quite a few ppl that donate shells because crabs are living in plastic. Thank you for picking the glass up. Love the Keys. 🙂👍

[@djaj423]

Thanks Owen&Lynn for another awesome morning show here in Eastern NC. safe travels.....love you guys.aj/dj ..

[@jholcomb9532]

Thank you for the shout out for the volunteers - my husband has volunteered for FL State Parks for years. They are the backbone of the Parks! Loved the hermit crabs, our daughter had a pet one once, named Hermie, lol.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are so thankful for all the park vounteers… and I totally agree they are the backbone of the parks.

[@AnnMaynard-fu9qd]

Thanks for sharing the hermit crab information, such interesting little critters. The shots of the manatees and Maggie were great. A fun video!

[@joeyeubanks5965]

Another great video. I laughed at that little crab moving into his new condo.

[@joycemoses2411]

Thank you for telling us about the hermit crabs' homes.....I never thought about picking up a shell would cause a crab to be homeless. THANKFUL that you are always kind to folks!

[@pattyk8594]

Loved seeing those manatees drink from the hose! They know clean water when they taste it :o) and of course, Maggie is too cute as always.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Wow didn't realize hermit crabs has so many different she'll types....beautiful place. Happy Trails 🐕

[@larryvincent2098]

Always interesting and enjoyable to this channel!! This is like paradise and breathtaking!! Thank you for sharing this with me !! BS & BK & BC !!!

[@funzeevanzee]

Such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@annearmstrong14]

Another great video! I love that you are concerned about the hermit crabs. We agree, Keys are one of the best places.

[@fraimaimfr4942]

Still watching you guys via youtube from Italy. Thanks for keeping me entertained 🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for watching from so far away. Much appreciated!

[@ladikmk]

The Keys are very special in so many ways, and very fragile at the same time. Unfortunately, people who are just flat-out rude to the volunteers are usually inconsiderate of the wildlife and the nature surrounding it as well, because they just don't care. Those chubby mermaids that Maggie loves are so fun to watch. If people complain about the wind and mics, they need to stand outside in a hurricane. Now that's windy! Hope you're all doing well - hugs for sweet Maggie.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for your comment and understanding the wind noise.

[@danielsmyth2646]

Great video! Did not realised the impact of pollution on the hermit crab. Great shots of the sunset.

[@wendyrobertson-c6m]

You two are so awesome for buying the shells to give to the hermit crabs. I used to shell hunt on Sanibel Island years ago but one morning i saw a hermit crab housed in trash and ended up dumping my whole basket of shells out then spread them out for the lil guy to find a new home. It took less than a few minutes of checking out the different shells for it to decide on a home for itself, but i left the shells in a nice pile up by some bushes for its future use. Those lil crabs are the tiny but mighty cleaners of our beaches. When they are left with no alternative but trash to house their body in, it says that maybe instead of collecting shells maybe we should be removing the trash instead. My very last walk on the beach was to collect trash and to inform a few humans about leaving the shells behind for the crabs who need homes. Thank you ever so much for helping out the local hermit crab population!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for your comment. I feel the same way about picking up shells now, it’s just something I never thought about before. So glad it was brought to my attention.

[@christinaputney659]

I did not know about the hermit crab homeless population. Thanks for the info. It truly is beautiful down there.

[@wilderness_bound]

Absolutely love the hermit crab story. I would have been leading the way on that adventure ! Great stuff. Sending love my friends.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was a fun experience and we learned a lot. We have loved following your adventures, looks like you are having a blast. Safe travels.

[@michaelcox6559]

Hey you two loved this video on the hermit crabs! And glad you had such a good time in the keys. Cathy and I were saying g we would Like to go back there. As always all the best Mes amis!

[@SueFletcher-k4r]

Great video! I learned so much ❤

[@linettemilles9881]

Great video!!! Thanks for spreading the word about their housing shortage. Many happy & safe travels! Owen .. I hope to hear Walking in Memphis in your next video!!! Please & thank you 😊 ❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for sharing so much great information about the crabs. It was such a pleasure meeting you.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

Oh my goodness. I've never thought about hermit crabs needing new homes. If I ever get down there I'll bring some shells for them.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was news to us too. But so glad it was brought to our attention.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Great video

[@OverlandCitrus]

Great video crazy about crabs I seen a TV show about that

[@judystreich7333]

Be among the kindness movement, costs nothing to be grateful either.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Love your comment. Thank you!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Another beautiful spot. Great idea doing this when it’s a bit cooler. Was Maggie able to hop on the bus as well? Thanks again for sharing the adventure and joy.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No dogs allowed on the bus ☹️.

[@rv2travel]

Excellent advice! Thanks for sharing.

[@victoriasolis6473]

Hi - love your videos. We are considering a small teardrop trailer. Just wondering if you ever had a travel trailer and what did you find the pros/cons compared to a van? Thanks

[@bevbender3587]

I’ve had 2 travel trailers, a class c and class a in that order. Currently in a class B. Way more convenient to set up and although compact I don’t have to tow anything I have to hook up to go or pull a toad. Everything has pros and cons. You just have to figure out what you are willing to compromise on. Good luck on your quest.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I agree with Bev, it is a compromise. We’ve had a 19’ toy hauler and a 15’ retro travel trailer. We like the convenience of a small RV/van and feel it is a lot less stressful when driving and not having to worry about a trailer. But we don’t like to have to break camp every time we go somewhere. So it is a compromise and depends on how you are going to travel. We also like being able to stop along the way a Cracker Barrel’s and not having to get out of your vehicle is really convenient. I hope this helps.

[@David-jo4gt]

Always be nice to the volunteers they know where the best restaurants are! Seriously, no excuse for being rude to these fine people. One of our goals is to camp there but it looks like no sites available for the next year. Enjoyed having coffee with y'all. Happy tails and safe travels.

[@spellmadam2947]

Well who would of thunk?

[@tankiescraftingmom4381]

It could be like me and they’re finding the places on KZbin that they otherwise wouldn’t of heard up

[@maryjones908]

I love that y'all are worried about homeless hermit crabs. Putting out shells sounds like something I would do.